Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 237: The Hot Spring and an Unexpected Accident
After savoring a Japanese-style meal, the next stop was the hot spring.
There was an indoor bath available, but of course, the outdoor hot spring was the real attraction.
Stripping off his clothes in the changing room, Rest wrapped a towel around his lower body and stepped through the door leading to the open-air bath.
“Oh… this is incredibly Japanese!”
The moment he stepped outside, a chill in the air struck him.
However, what truly took his breath away was the scenery of the hot spring itself.
Steam billowed up in white clouds, and the bath was surrounded by stone, large enough to accommodate over ten people comfortably.
The design of the outdoor bath was clearly inspired by Japan, and a certain kind of emotion welled up in Rest’s chest.
It was said that the Queen Dowager—Sanada Shouko—frequented this bath and enjoyed its waters regularly.
The staff at the inn had mentioned that she had been particularly insistent about the design of the open-air bath when the inn was built.
“So this was Shouko’s idea… She really was trying to recreate Japan.”
She must have missed her homeland terribly.
Perhaps she simply wanted to spend her later years in a place that reminded her of home.
Feeling a bit sentimental, Rest scooped up some hot water with a wooden bucket and poured it over his body.
“Whoa… The water feels scorching in this cold air…”
Marquis Rosemary’s estate had baths, of course, but there was no outdoor hot spring like this.
Experiencing the contrast of the hot water and the cold air was an entirely new sensation.
“Ugh… it’s hot, but it feels amazing…!”
Rest slowly dipped his feet into the water.
At the far end of the bath, bubbles rose to the surface, indicating where the natural hot spring source was.
“A private, natural hot spring with free-flowing water… This is incredible luxury.”
As he endured the heat and submerged himself, his body gradually adjusted to the temperature.
The cold air no longer bothered him, and instead, a deep comfort spread through his entire being.
The hot spring was usually open to the villagers, but today it had been reserved due to the presence of a noble guest.
While he felt a little guilty about that, Celestine had paid a hefty lodging fee, which in turn benefited the village.
In fact, the staff had looked quite pleased about it.
“The moon and stars above, and the ocean view ahead… What a truly extravagant place.”
Rest murmured to himself as he soaked in the bath, completely at ease.
The night sky was clear, with not a single cloud in sight.
The moon shone brightly, and countless stars twinkled—a sight almost impossible to see in Japan, where electric lights dominated the night.
A wooden fence surrounded most of the open-air bath, but one section was intentionally left open.
That spot overlooked a gentle slope leading to the sea, allowing a panoramic view of the ocean.
“So that’s the west side… I should’ve come in earlier.”
Rest let out a sigh of regret.
If he had bathed before dinner, he could have watched the sunset over the sea while soaking in the hot spring.
That would have been the ultimate luxury.
“Hmm… Maybe I should stay here for another couple of days. Celestine will probably head back to the capital, but I could…”
“Oh? In that case, I shall accompany you as well.”
“Ah, you will? That would be… huh?”
Rest casually responded before realizing something was wrong.
“Wait… what?”
He had been so relaxed in the bath that he had let his presence detection magic lapse.
Turning around, he saw something—or rather, someone—who definitely shouldn’t have been there.
“Would it be alright if I joined you, Rest?”
“Bwoah!?”
Standing before him was Celestine Crocus.
The daughter of Duke Crocus, a lady of the highest nobility.
One of the most dignified and esteemed women in the kingdom—standing there wrapped in nothing but a towel.